DOLE gives out P1.2 million to fisherfolks, farmers

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 has recently turned over P1.2 million worth of livelihood assistance to Danao City’s fisherfolk and farmers.

The beneficiaries, Cahumayan Farmers’ Association and the Looc Fishermen Association, received jigs, materials and other equipment needed in their respective livelihood projects.

The 38 members of the Cahumayan Farmers’ Association received sacks of fertilizers worth P450,000for their Fertilizer Trading Livelihood Project.

The 54 beneficiaries of the Looc Fishermen Association, on the other hand, accepted their boat materials and accessories, fishing nets, and gasoline for their Pamangsihan Project (Pump Boats and Fishing Gears) amounting to P700,000.

It was the DOLE-Cebu Provincial Field Office (CPFO) who facilitated the physical turn-over of livelihood projects to the beneficiaries.

Partnering with DOLE-7 in the implementation and monitoring of the said projects is the local government unit of Danao City.

Danao City Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano, during the turn-over ceremony, asked the beneficiaries to take care of the livelihood assistance, since not all associations have the opportunity to be given assistance.

DOLE-CPFO Officer-in-Charge Vivencio E. Lagahid said both associations have established their respective project management team, which will help ensure that the recipients will all be herd towards one and the same direction, which is to achieve the objectives of their livelihood projects.

Apart from the livelihood assistance they received, the beneficiaries had also been enrolled in a group personal accident insurance (GPAI) with the GSIS for one year.

DOLE-7 OIC-Regional Director Lilia A. Estillore congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged all of them to do their best in making their livelihood projects sustainable and lasting.

The livelihood assistance extended to the two associations is borne out of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).

Meanwhile, DOLE-7 said that all establishments in the private sector are required to submit to an annual report on wages for Calendar Year 2022.

Labor Advisory No. 4, Series of 2023 issued by Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma indicates that all private sector companies need to submit an annual report on wages as of 31 December 2022.

Submission of said report is pursuant to Article 124 of the Labor Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act. — GAN (FREEMAN)